MEPs strongly condemned Russia’s escalation of malicious activities, interference and hybrid operations ahead of the presidential election and the constitutional referendum on European integration.
Members of the European Parliament on Wednesday, October 9, adopted a resolution expressing strong skepticism against further Russian attempts to disrupt Moldova’s pro-European course. This was reported by the press service of the European Parliament.
The resolution, approved by 508 votes, strongly condemns the increase in Russian malign activities, interference and hybrid operations ahead of the presidential election and constitutional referendum on European integration that will take place in Moldova on October 20.
Members of the European Parliament focused on the role of pro-Russian Moldovan oligarchs and the Russian TV channel RT.
MEPs also called on the EU and member states to ensure that Moldova receives all the necessary assistance to strengthen its institutional mechanisms and ability to respond to hybrid threats.
Separately, they called for additional sanctions against political actors who are destabilizing the situation in Moldova.
“On the back of increasing Russian interference, the resolution calls on the Council of the EU to introduce additional sanctions against individuals who undermine the sovereignty of Moldova, Members of the European Parliament also call on countries and territories that host of wanted Moldovan fugitives, such as Ilan Shor and Vladimir Plahotniuc, to extradite them to Moldova,” said the text of the resolutions.
Moldovan authorities recently said they had uncovered a Russian-backed operation involving 130,000 of its citizens intended to influence decisive votes on President Maia Sandu’s European aspirations this month.
Also, the Chisinau court convicted seven men who planned to organize riots during the protests in the capital of Moldova. They were sentenced to 3 to 3.5 years in prison.
Source: korrespondent
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